1997 Citroen Xsara TD, fuel leak and starting issues.

[Agent29]

After leaving the car standing for a week I collected and fitted the Bosch 039's this morning, I left the GP's heating a couple of seconds after the GP bulb extinguished and It started beautifully.

Ive subsequently found if started it as soon as the GP bulb extinguishes from cold there is a small splutter on startup. Is the GP bulb timing predefined or can it be adjusted?

[white exec]

The GP relay will be adjusting the on-period for the light, depending on 'temperature'.
Temp is sensed either by a link to the coolant temp sensor or engine ECU, or (on early cars) by a temp sensor in the GP relay itself.
The light going out is just intended to signify the soonest possible time to start, with a decent chance of starting promptly. Designed to be as rapid as possible (à la petrol) . Giving it an extra few seconds, especially when cold, is a sensible thing. I wouldn't bother to explore/adjust further.
Well done in getting a good result!

[Agent29]

Thanks Chris, I'm surprised at the difference In GP quality though. I couldn't get is to start without a splutter at all with either the four champions (when working ) or with the two working BERU's in place of two duff Champions, which could indicate the Champions were sub par? I always thought of Champion as a reputable brand?

Well aside from the fuel/air leak, which strangely now appears to be reducing by gradually sealing itself? this chapter is coming to an end.

I purchased this car as a project (in a very sorry state) with a water leak and a brake servo issue / vacuum leak, which with any luck I can get round to addressing if other issues stop manifesting themselves beforehand.

The previous owner had contemplated scrapping it before I made an offer. There is plenty still to do on this Xsara to make it right. Hopefully with the expertise and assistance of FCF I can save this car.